Gráinne’s musical background comes from her father, who taught her fiddle in their musical household in Loughduff, Co. Cavan, Ireland. She gained recognition by performing at traditional Celtic music festivals across Ireland and expanding her repertoire with tunes from Cavan, Leitrim, Clare, and recently Scotland. Her playing style combines traditional roots with imaginative compositions.
Gráinne is currently living in Scotland and is a key player in Glasgow’s thriving traditional music community. She flourishes in the city’s creative atmosphere where young musicians write new music, share tunes, and draw from diverse regional styles and cultural heritage. Gráinne is involved in several successful collaborations, such as The Routes Quartet (nominated “Folk Band of the Year” at the 2017 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards), Top Floor Taivers (a nominee in the 2016 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards), and LAS, a group that combines Scottish and Irish tunes, step-dance, and Gaelic song.
Gráinne has been composing music for over ten years and has had her tunes published on various albums, including renowned Perthshire fiddler Patsy Reid’s, ‘A Glint o’ Scottish Fiddle’. Patsy admires the young Irish musician’s commitment to “seeing her musical visions realized” and describes Gráinne as “a beautiful fiddle player and versatile musician with a unique sound and refreshing outlook, producing original and imaginative music”. Gráinne’s compositions also feature on her albums with pianist/flutist Tina Jordan Rees, Top Floor Taivers and The Routes Quartet.
Gráinne’s first solo album, “The Road Across the Hills,” was inspired by the 1914 novel “Children of the Dead End.” As a result of her father’s influence, Gráinne and her siblings were early fans of Patrick MacGill’s writing. Her passion for MacGill’s work was reignited in Glasgow, leading to her album. Gráinne sees MacGill as a crucial literary voice that sheds light on the untold story of poverty among Irish and Scottish people during that time, depicting the struggles faced by the lower classes. All of the music on the album was composed by Gráinne, largely within the traditional style, and is enhanced by MacGill’s poetry, recited by Jack Houston, a Donegal native and fiddler.
Gráinne explains that each track was written in response to key moments in the novel, from MacGill’s childhood in Donegal to the life of a navvy. She linked the track titles to lyrical place names and characters, such as Moleskin Joe, The Fields of Renfrewshire, Norah Ryan, and The Flower of Danaveen. For example, “The Navvy of Kinlochleven” is a lively tune with a bit of edge that reflects the hardship and camaraderie of the characters.
Gráinne’s second album “Newcomer” was released in March 2021 and was produced by award-winning musician Mike Vass. It features guest musicians such as Innes White (guitar), Andrew Waite (accordion), and Jack Houston (spoken word).
“Newcomer” tells the story of Norah Ryan from MacGill’s novel “The Rat Pit” and highlights her strength and beauty, as well as her vulnerability to poverty, exploitation, and emotional loss.
Gráinne’s music has been featured on various radio and television programs including RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta, BBC NI, and BBC Radio Scotland.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.